Pumping apparatus



May 8, 41945. J. MANN PUMPINGAPPARATUS Filed sepfl 5,1941 42- sneetsfs'het 2 'Y Patented May 8, 1,945

UNITED STATES- 'PATENT ori-fica application september 5,1941', serial No. 409,708

3 Claims.

My invention relates to pumping apparatus or Y systems and more particularly to pumping systems of the so-called jet type.l Reference is made to my copending applications Serial Number` A 326,445 Illed March 28, 1940, issued' Sept. 30, `1941,

as 4Patent No. 2,257,507, and Serial Number 394,838 illed July 30, 1941.

In the above mentioned i applications AI have shown and described pumping systems ofthe so-called jet type adapted for either "shallow or deep Well use. The systems shown in the above mentioned applications employ a vertically mounted pressure or centrifugal pump. 'Ihe invention of the present application embodies most of the principles disclosed in the above mentioned copending applications, the primary differences being those required to provide an arrangement wherein the pressure or centrifugal pump is mounted in a position with its axis ofl rotation substantially horizontal. I have found that a number of economies in the over-all cost of the system may be effected by employing a horizontally mounted pressure or centrifugal pump as distinguished from a verticallymounted pressure pump.

An object of my invention is to provide a pumping system of simple construction which may be produced at an appreclably lower cost than th pumping systems of the prior art. l

Another object of my invention is to provide a pumping system wherein the pressure or centrifugal pump is mounted in such a position that it rotates about a horizontal axis which, in particular when the system is for shallow-well operation, enables a convenient, compact and efiicient mounting of the jet pump with respect tothe centrifugal pump.

Another object of my invention is to provide improved and simplified means for substantially hydraulically balancing the pressure or centrifu gal pum'p.

A further object of my' invention is to provide a pumping system in which the pressure or centrifugal pump is mounted with its axis of rotation horizontal and which comprises the combination of a jet pump, a pressure pump, an air separating chamber and other elements so constructed and arranged as to prevent the recirculation of air through the pressure o1' centrifugal shallow well pump system or so that the jet pump may. be entirely -eliminated to the end that the system may operate as 'a straight centrifugal Other objects and `advantages of l myV invention will be apparent irom'theiollowing descrip- "tion, when taken in connection with the accom-v panying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a general assembly view, somewhat diagrammatic, illustrating the pumping system of my-invention when set up for shallow well operation;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the pump unit oi.' FIB. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1 illustrating the system as set up for deep well operation;

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the pump unit when set up for deep well operation as illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a view taken substantially on lthe line 5--5 of Fig. 4 in the direction indicated by the arrows; and L Fig. 6 is a view showing a portion of Fig. 4 and illustrating how the system may be set up so as to operate as a straight centrifugal pump. In Fig. 1 I have shown the pumping system of my invention as set up for shallow well operation. As thus arranged the system comprises a pump unit, generally indicated by the numeral II, a motor I2 for driving the pressure of centrifugal pump of the pump unit, a pneumatic pressure tank I3 and a suction pipe I4 whichextends into the well. The pump and motor, if desiredsmay be mounted on a suitable bed plate I5.

One of the advantages of employing a system wherein the pressure or centrifugal pump rotates about a horizontal axis is that horizontal motors are considerably cheaper than vertical motors. 'I'his is due to a major extent to the larger production of horizontal motors as compared with the production oi.' vertical motors. A further advantage of employing a. horizontal pumping unit lies in the compact arrangement of parts which may be effected, particularly when the unit is arranged for shallow well operation, and still embody the essential principles and advantages disclosed in my above mentioned copending applications.

As shown in Fig. 2 the pumping unit II comprises a shaft IG, driven from the motor I2, upon the end of which is mounted the pressure or centrifugal pump impeller Il. While 'I have shown a pump of the centrifugal type, if desired,

a regenerative turbine pump or a so-called water ring pump may be used. vWhile the centrifugal pump impeller may be of conventional construction for purposes which will later appear, a somewhat special type of. centrifugal pump impeller is preferably employed.

'Ihe .shaft I8 extends throughv a bearing assembly, generally indicated by the numeral I8, and through an opening. provided in the rear half I9 of the pump casing, generally indicated by the numeral 2|. On the shaft l0 may be mounted any suitable means for preventing creepage -of liquid along the shaft such as -a water slinger' 22 together with any desired means of substantially sealing thecasingat the point where the may be similar in construction, shape and arrangement to the discharge openings shown in my above mentioned copendingapplications. l

Facing upon and 'secured to the rearjhalf I9 of the pump casing as shown at .24 and 28 is a cover or housing plate or casting 21. The cover or housing plate 21 is preferably of hollow shape so as to provide an `enlarged chamber 28 into 'Thus in accordance with the disclosures of my above mentioned .copending applications, liquid is discharged. by the centrifugal pump, flows into the air separating chamber, 28 in which space the air and liquid are separated. Air free liquid then flows downward through the; air separating chamber and at high velocity through the iet and dii'iuse; so as to create a sub-atmospheric pressure in the suction chamber 3l. I'he reduced pressure in the suction chamber 31, resulting from a com-l bination of-the aiiects produced by the jet pump which the centrifugal pump discharges through the outlets provided in the pump casing. The chamber A28 is of suiilcient size and capacity to appreciably slow down thevelocity of the liquid discharged into it so as to permit liquid and air separation to take place therein. The air separation chamber 28 is intended to serve essentially the same function as the double air separating' chambers shown and described in my above mentioned copending applications.

Because the velocityof the liquid is decreased to a considerable extent in the air separating chamber 28, the pressure therein is considerably higher than in the pump casing 2|. creased velocity .of .the liquid permits the air to separate from the liquid and collect at the 4top of the chamber from whence it flows, to-

gether with liquid, through an Aopening 29 and a pipe assembly 3| to the pneumatic tank |3. It will be noted that the outlet from the air sepa- `rating chamber is preferably placed substantially axial alignment in the conventional manner., In

the drawings I have illustrated the diffuser as being cast integral with the cover plate 2lgand have shown the jet threaded into the wall 36 which forms part of the support for the diffuser.

However, if desired the diffuser may be a separate element from the cover plate and maybe threadedly supported as shown in my above mentioned copending applications. The portion of the casing which forms the support for the jet and the diffuser is arranged so as to provide a. separation wall between theair separating chamber 28 and a suction chamber 31. The suction chamber 31 is provided with van opening38 which is connected as shown in Fig. 1 to the suction pipe |4.

The dethe annular space surrounding the kjet 33. It will be noted that the liquid enters the iet near the bottom of the chamber so that before the liquid reaches the jet substantially all of the air has been removed from it. A

The centrifugal pump is provided with a substantially axially located cylindrical member 4I which forms `the suction opening or leye of the centrifugal pump impeller. In the preferred form of my invention the cylindrical suction member 4| is somewhat extended so as to receive in concentric relation therewith, the end of the diiuser 34. 'I'he cylindrical member 4| is arranged so that the annular space between it and the outer circumference of the l diffuser is as small as pos- `sible. 'I'his annular space 42 constitutes an annular leakage opening through which liquid may,

flow from the point of higher to that of lower pressure. In this instance the liquid pressure in the air separation chamber 28 is higher than that at the suction opening so that a small amount of leakage liquid flows through this annular space into the suction of the centrifugal pump.

The front half 23 of the pump casing 2| vis provided with an opening through which the cylindrical suction member 4| extends. This opening is defined by a circular surface 43. The clearance between the rotating cylindrical membei' 4| and the circular surface 43 is also made as small as possible. Both this clearance and the clearance at 42 being in the neighborhood of gioco of an inch. Thus, since the pressure in the air separating chamber 28 is higher than that in the pump casing 2| a slight leakage of liquid occurs through the space between these parts from the air separating chamber 28 to the pump casing.

The primary purpose of the above arrangement is, as described in the above mentioned copendingl application, to prevent liquid discharged from the pump from recirculating to the suction of the centrifugal pump without passing through the air separating chamber 28. It will be observed that any liquid passing through these passages, particularly the passage 42, has the air removed from ilxedparts. I have found that this dimculty can be eliminated, v.as disclosed in my copending application Serial Number 3944838, by arrangingv a screenK between the air separating chamber V'28 and the suction of the pump. For the purpose v of mounting the screen the front half 23- of the pump' casing is provided with an annular boss or ring 46 which extends around the suction opening, as more clearly shown in Fig. 5. An annular eccentric plate 41 is carried by the annular boss 46 and between the annular plate and the boss the screen I8 is confined. The parts may be held in position in any suitable manner as shown in the drawings. l

The opening l! inthe plate permits free ac cess of the liquid from the air separating chamber 28 to the space on the right-hand side of the screen, as viewed in Fig. 2. As previously mentioned, the plate is eccentric so that the lower portion thereof, as indicated at I, extends subi stantially to the bottom ofV the chamber. The plate constitutes a baille for directing the flow of liquid. Thus any liquid discharged, Afor example, into the space 52 from the pump casing must rise and flow arouridthe annular boss 46 substantially to the top of the air separating chamber 28 before it can pass through the screen 48 and gain access to the suction opening. The plate 5I extends close enough to the bcttom of the chamber so that any liquid passing through the space 53 is substantially air free.

One of the'important aspects of my invention lies in the means for hydraulically balancing the impeller. It will be appreciated that both sides of the impeller are exposed to the pressure existing within the pump casing 2|. However, the areas on opposite sides of the impeller over which this casing pressure is exerted are `not equal. This is due to the presence on one side of the impeller of the suction opening. In Fig. 2 pressures C and C are equal. While the circular area B is greater than the annular area A, the pres-` sure over the area A is considerably greater than the pressure over the circular area B. Assuming that the pressures on the areas E and D are equal there would be an unbalanced thrust in a direction to the left, as viewed in Fig. 2.

I have found, by properly proportioning the area D that I may take advantage of the higher pressure existing in the air separating chamber 28, as compared to the pressure in the pump casing, to the end that the impeller may be hy' draulically balanced. While the pressure in the air separating chamber 28 is somewhat variable, using an average value the'area D may be made such, in designing the pump, that the following equation is satisfied:

Pressure on area DXarea D plus pressure on area Bxarea B equals pump casing pressureX (area A plus area E).

It will be appreciated that the pressure varies in the chamber 28 and that the suction pressure and the pump casing pressure are also variables.

However, these pressures increase and decrease substantially in proportion. By proper tests average values can be obtained so that the'area D may be made the proper amount for maintaining the impeller in approximate hydraulic balance throughout the operating range of the sysserted in this opening. A jet and the diffuser 1 would then `be located in the well as illustrated in Fig. 3. Substantially this method of converting the system for deep well Voperation is shown in my application Serial Number 326,445.

I have found, however, the conversion from a shallowwell system to a'deep well system may be accomplished more readily by substituting for the plate or head 21 a plate or head 518 shown in Fig. 4. The plate 58 is of substantially the same construction as that of Fig. 2 and has thc air separating chamber 28 provided therein. However, instead of employing a jet pump in the head, I connect the suction chamber 31 directly with the impeller inlet byV a passage 59 formed in the head 58. I'he pressure pipe 6l is then connected to the opening 62 and the jet pump,` indicated generally by the numeral 63. is mounted in the well in the conventional manner. This rearrangement of parts it willbe appreciated can very readily be accomplished in the lield without a great deal of labor and expense. Thus if the pump owner `iinds that the well draw down is y mount a jet pump in the well and connect the 1 piping, as shown, without any great inconvenience or expense.

In Fig. 3 I have shown below the jet pump a strainer 64 and indicated diagrammatically a check or foot valve 56. If desired the check or foot valve 66 may be located just below the jet pump in the position indicated in the drawings by the numeral 61. While it most frequently happens that it is desired to convert a shallow well system to a deep well system, it will be appreciated that if desired the deep well unit of my invention may be converted to a shallow well unit.

In Fig. 6 I have illustrated how the system may be converted to operate as a straight centrifugal pumpu The advantage of eliminating the `iet pump if the well characteristics permit, is that the capacity of the system is increased. A portion of the liquid when a jet pump is used must be returned to the jet pump for supplying energy thereto. YThe effective capacity of the centrifugal pump is decreased by the amount of liquid necessary to feed the jet. Thus if well conditions permit, as for example if the lift is twenty feet, it

, may Ibe converted to a shallow Well jet system or a tem. The cutout formed in the cylindrical suci tion inlet 4| is made for the purpose'of decreasing the weight of the rotating parts. l

In Fig. 1 I have shown a strainer located at the bottom of the jet pump and indicated diagrammatically at 55 a check or foot valve. In application Serial Number 326,445 I have shown the check valve located close to the pump and this arrangement is sometimes preferred for the reasons stated insaid application.

In reorganizing the system for deep well operation it would be possible to remove the plug deep well jet system in a manner which will beI obvious from the above description.

In the drawings I have not shown a pressure control switch for controlling the starting and stopping of the pump so as to maintain the pressure in the pneumatic tank within desired limits. Moreover, I have not shown a meansI for charging the pneumatic tank with air. These elements may be similar in construction and operation to the corresponding elements shown and described in the above mentioned copending applications. T hat is, preferably the system is provided with a pressure control switch and with a connection to atmosphere on the suction side of the pressure pump tor maintaining the quantity of air' in the pneumatic tank substantially constant.

It will be observed that the air separating chamber is arranged above the pressure pump and since the foot or check valve maintains the liqquid in the lpiping, the pump is at all times liiooded. Should leaks develop in the piping, the wpump will automaticallyv pick up liquid as long as the chamber 2B is not depleted of liquid. Moreover, should the waterin the well drop below the end of the tail pipe so as to permit the tail pipe to become filled with air, the combination of the jet and centrifugal pump will automatically 'exhaust the air from the piping when the liquid again rises to theproper level with respect ,to the tail pipeisince the air separating chamber is illled with liquid. Thus unless abnormal leaks develop in the systemthe system will stay primed. A

whne r have shown and described the preferred forms of my invention and have described how rthe unitmay be readily converted from one type of system toanother, it will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made, particularly in the form and relation of parts,

' without departing from the spirit of my invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I Claim: t

. 1. In a pumping system, in combination, a pres-` sure pump having a rotatable impeller, saidimpeller having an axial substantially cylindrical municatien with the 'casing inlet, tnenezzle being in communication with the air separating chamber and the space between the nozzle and ditluser being in communication withthe source of liduid supply.' Y l 3. A pumping system comprising, in combination, a pump casing having an inlet, an impeller mounted in said casing with the axis of rotationl thereof extending substantially horizontal, an air separating chamber associated with said casing and said casing having at least one outlet for the l.discharge of liquid from said impeller into said suction opening, and a Jet pump comprising a jet and a diii'user mounted adjacent said suction opening with the dischargeend of the diuser extending into said suction opening.

- S5 2. A pumpingsystem comprising, in combinaair separating chamber, and a unit detachable with respect to said pump casing without disturbing the pump casing, said unit' carrying a nozzle and a diffuser-mounted in spacedl axialalinement ywith each other and being in communication with the casing inlet, the nozzle lbeing in communica-I tion with the ai'r separating chamber and the lspace between the nozzle and diluser being in communication with the'source of liquid supply,

and said air separating chamber having a discharge connection for liquid in a iixed part of the system.

- Jol-IN MANN. 

